Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles a preferred destination for Carmelo Anthony
Recent Los Angeles Lakers involve Carmelo Anthony, who has reportedly listed Los Angeles as a preferred landing spot.
Los Angeles Lakers rumors have continued after a frenzied start to free agency. The Lakers landed their superstar, agreeing to a four-year, $154 million deal with LeBron James. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka made good on their promise to land a superstar by snagging James.
With James in town, the next step is rounding out the roster. The Lakers have an impressive young core in place with Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart. They also retained Kentavious Caldwell-Pope but didn’t stop there.
Three veterans were added as well. Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo were all signed to one-year deals. All three players bring veteran and playoff experience, something the Lakers roster lacked.
The Lakers are probably not done filling out their roster. With James in place, there are plenty of veterans that would love to latch on as his teams have a lot of success. Defeating the juggernaut that is the Golden State Warriors is a daunting task, but if anyone will be able to accomplish it, it is a team with James leading the way.
One veteran to keep an eye on is one of James’ friends, Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony opted into his deal for the 2018-19 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. As a result, the Thunder are facing a record luxury tax.
Oklahoma City crosses an historic threshold as the first $300M team in salary and projected luxury tax with the Raymond Felton signing. The Thunder now have a tax bill of $150M.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 4, 2018
That tax bill is something that the Thunder are looking to avoid. That will lead to Anthony and Thunder parting ways eventually this summer. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Royce Young reported it together.
ESPN Sources with @royceyoung: Oklahoma City, Carmelo Anthony will part ways this summer, likely saving team over $100M. Thunder working with 'Melo's reps on exits that include trade, stretch provision. Story: https://t.co/mJbxINv2Cd
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2018
As reported by ESPN, there are a number of outlets for the Thunder to get out of Anthony’s deal. He can be traded, bought out or have the stretch provision used. A buyout is the likeliest outcome, as it will lessen the Thunder’s tax bill and Anthony would have an opportunity to pick where he wants to play.
There are a few places that Anthony could land. According to Jason Schultz of Yahoo Sports, the Lakers are one of Anthony’s preferred landing spots.
Source close to Carmelo Anthony says the #Lakers are one of Melo’s preferred destinations, and that he's high on chance to finally play with #LeBron. Keep in mind too, that Carmelo owns a house in LA.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 7, 2018
This will be something to monitor as the summer goes on. Right now, the Lakers most pressing need is at center; they have plenty of wing players already on the roster. However, a trade, which the Lakers have reportedly been looking to make, could open up some roster spots.
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Anthony will presumably be looking to join a contending team once he leaves Oklahoma City. Will his wishes of playing with LeBron James in Los Angeles come to fruition? We will have to wait and see!